Telmont Unveils Organic Réserve de la Terre III as Sustainable Champagne Gains Momentum

Telmont, a Champagne house based in Damery, France, has introduced the third edition of its “Réserve de la Terre” cuvée, made exclusively from organically grown grapes. The release comes as part of Telmont’s ongoing commitment to sustainable winemaking and environmental stewardship in the Champagne region, where only about 5% of vineyards are certified organic.

The new Réserve de la Terre is produced under the banner of Telmont’s “In the Name of Mother Nature” project. The house aims to demonstrate that high-quality Champagne can be crafted from living soils, free from herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. This approach relies on organic and regenerative viticulture methods.

Bertrand Lhôpital, cellar master at Telmont, described the philosophy behind the cuvée: “Organic grapes give us exceptional raw material. Making this Champagne is about magnifying our terroir—freshness and maturity, complexity and finesse.”

Réserve de la Terre III is a blend of two vintages: 2021 (36%) and 2020 (64%). The 2021 harvest was marked by extreme weather conditions that reduced yields but resulted in unique freshness. The 2020 vintage contributed maturity and richness to the blend. The final composition includes Chardonnay (44%), Meunier (33%), and Pinot Noir (23%). After three years of aging in the cellar and with a low dosage of 5.4 grams per liter, the wine offers a complex aromatic profile with notes of jasmine, violet, white pepper, almond, and exotic fruits. On the palate, it balances freshness with maturity, featuring flavors of green apple, candied lemon, and marzipan. The finish is described as vibrant and elegant.

The Champagne’s versatility makes it suitable for pairing with oysters or scallop carpaccio.

Since 2021, Telmont has pursued a clear goal: to convert all its own vineyards and those of its partners to organic and regenerative farming. The company reports that it has already achieved this on 70% of its vineyard area. Telmont also aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

To support these goals, Telmont has implemented several initiatives. These include eliminating unnecessary packaging, co-designing what it claims is the lightest Champagne bottle on the market at 800 grams, discontinuing clear glass bottles and heavier personalized bottles over 900 grams, ending air freight shipments, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

The sustainability efforts have attracted support from investors such as actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio commented on the new release: “With this new cuvée Réserve de la Terre, Telmont demonstrates the benefits of organic viticulture for the soil, for winegrowers, and for the wine itself. It’s the taste of the future.”

Ludovic du Plessis, president of Maison Telmont, emphasized that excellence in winemaking begins with respect for the land: “Every winegrower knows that to make great Champagne you must faithfully respect the earth it comes from—the vitality of the soil and biodiversity. That’s what organic and regenerative viticulture makes possible. Our Réserve de la Terre perfectly expresses what we believe: wine is excellent when the land is alive and in balance.”

The launch of Réserve de la Terre III highlights Telmont’s position as a leader in sustainable practices within Champagne. The house continues to push for broader adoption of organic methods in a region where such practices remain rare.